Mi.708.
CHILD WELFARE IN BRITAIN
By Joseph Martin.
46
The Nation's Health.
When the first batches of militiamen recently resented themselves for military service under the new compulsory scheme, the authorities were pleasantly surprised at the remarkably high standard of physical fitness of the en. The reports of the medical officers were the same; whether they were examining young men from the rich or the poorer classes there were remarkably few instances of poor physique.
This is a considerable improvement on the condition of affairs in Britain a generation ago. On the outbreak of the Great War in 1914 the physical condition of many men from the industrial areas
was poor.
Generations of labour under the factory conditions prevailing during the last century had lowered the vitality of the industrial masses. Many social services nad been established
to remedy the evil, but the strain of war showed that considerably more must be done than had ever been contemplated by the Governments of a previous generation.
Profound changes were soon made, and the excellent results are now to be seen in every school and on every playing field and recreation ground in the country. A more vigorous, healthy and vital nation is now reaching manhood and womanhood in Great Britain.
One of the most important steps taken to improve the health and physical condition of the people is the child welfare service. It consists of various sections, many of them being voluntary associations, while others are run by local authorities. Throughout
the country there are centres where expectant mothers can obtain
medical advice and assistance, and where children are brought for
examination and expert attention. Health visitors also attend
mothers and expectant mothers in their own homes.
The results are summed up in the mortality rates of young
children.
In England and Wales in 1901 there were 151 deaths per
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